Free Practice Questions for WGU Managing-Human-Capital Exam

Preventing workplace violence requires proactive identification and management of risk factors such as stress, substance abuse, emotional distress, and personal crises. According toHuman Resource Management, 16th Editionby Gary Dessler, one effective preventive measure is tooffer and publicize an employee assistance program (EAP).

Employee assistance programs provide confidential counseling and support services for employees dealing with personal or work-related problems, including stress, depression, financial issues, and family difficulties. Dessler explains that EAPs help reduce the likelihood that unresolved personal problems escalate into aggressive or violent behavior at work.

By making employees aware of available support resources, organizations demonstrate concern for employee well-being while also reducing safety risks. Fitness centers, performance awards, and professional development opportunities may improve morale or engagement, but they do not directly address the emotional and psychological factors linked to workplace violence.

Therefore, the most appropriate step a company can take to prevent workplace violence is tooffer and publicize an employee assistance program.

Source:

Gary Dessler,Human Resource Management, 16th Edition, Chapter on Employee Safety, Health, and Workplace Violence Prevention

An employee handbook can assist employees by communicating the company's policies against discrimination. It serves as a reference document that outlines the company’s expectations, policies, and procedures, including those related to anti-discrimination, thus helping employees understand their rights and obligations.

In this scenario, the HR department acts as an internal consultant by providing expert advice and guidance to the manager on handling a specific employee issue—repeated tardiness. The HR department helps the manager understand the appropriate protocol, ensuring that the manager's actions are consistent with company policies and legal requirements. This consultative role supports managers in making informed decisions and effectively addressing workplace challenges.

"Human Resource Management" by Gary Dessler

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) resources on HR as an internal consultant

Customary benefits are benefits that employers commonly provide but arenot legally required. According toHuman Resource Management, 16th Editionby Gary Dessler, these benefits are offered to remain competitive in the labor market and to attract and retain employees.

Retirement plans, such as employer-sponsored pension plans or 401(k) contributions, are classic examples of customary benefits. While highly valued by employees, employers are not legally mandated to provide them. In contrast, workers’ compensation, Social Security, and unemployment insurance are mandatory benefits required by law.

Dessler explains that customary benefits allow organizations flexibility in designing compensation packages that align with their strategy and workforce needs. Thus, the correct example of a customary benefit is aretirement plan.

Source:

Gary Dessler,Human Resource Management, 16th Edition, Chapter on Employee Benefits and Total Rewards

Understanding a trainee’s learning style is crucial for the effectiveness of training because it allows the training to be tailored to the individual’s preferred method of learning, thereby improving retention and application of the material. For instance, visual learners benefit from diagrams and videos, auditory learners from lectures and discussions, and kinesthetic learners from hands-on activities. By aligning training methods with learning styles, the overall training outcomes improve, leading to better performance and skill acquisition.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Training and Development for Dummies" by Elaine Biech

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on training effectiveness

Healthy Work Environment:Providing a healthy and safe work environment helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, promoting overall well-being.

Absenteeism Reduction:When employees are healthy, they are less likely to take time off due to illness or injury, leading to decreased absenteeism.

Productivity and Morale:A safe work environment enhances employee morale and productivity, as employees feel valued and protected.

Cost Savings:Reduced absenteeism also translates into cost savings for the employer, as fewer resources are spent on temporary replacements and overtime for covering absent employees.

Internal recruiting involves filling job vacancies with current employees from within the organization. One significant benefit of this approach is that it enhances employee engagement and morale. When employees see that the organization values their growth and offers opportunities for advancement, they are more likely to be motivated, committed, and loyal. This practice also reduces the time and cost associated with onboarding and training new hires, as internal candidates are already familiar with the company's culture and processes.

Inclusion in the workplace refers to creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal access to opportunities and resources. An inclusive scenario is one where team members collaborate, and everyone's ideas and contributions are considered. This encourages a sense of belonging and leverages the diverse perspectives of the entire team, leading to enhanced innovation and team performance. The given example demonstrates this by showing a department where collaboration and open sharing of ideas are practiced.

Sourcing and recruiting are two distinct but interrelated steps in the hiring process. Sourcing involves identifying and attracting potential candidates who have the skills and qualifications necessary to meet the organization's staffing needs. This process can include searching for candidates through various channels such as job boards, social media, networking events, and employee referrals. Once a pool of potential candidates is identified, the recruiting process begins. Recruiting involves engaging with these candidates, assessing their suitability for the role, and encouraging them to apply for the open positions. This includes activities such as conducting interviews, evaluating applications, and managing the offer process. By differentiating between sourcing and recruiting, organizations can streamline their hiring processes and ensure they attract and hire the best possible talent.

References

Phillips, J. M., & Gully, S. M. (2015). "Strategic Staffing." Pearson Education.

SHRM. "Sourcing Candidates."